Payback on his mind

In one of the more surprising events of the draft, LenDale White, USC's record holder for career touchdowns with 57, wasn't taken until Tennessee called his name in the second round, the 45th pick overall.

Ever since White's hamstring injury at the NFL Combine in February, his stock has dropped. But yesterday morning it took another major hit.

A story in the Los Angeles Daily News, citing multiple sources, said White tested positive for drugs during an NFL test at the combine. His name, however, never showed up on the list of players who failed the combine drug test. And his agent denied the accusations yesterday.

At Tennessee, White will be reunited with Norm Chow, the former offensive coordinator at USC who holds the same title with the Titans.

Big regrets

Former college head coach and NFL assistant Bill Curry gave the Atlanta Journal-Constitution five reasons why the Texans will regret not drafting Bush. No. 5: “When Reggie first thanks the Texans' executive brain trust in his NFL Hall of Fame acceptance speech, there will be little regret in Houston, because the folks who turned him down will be otherwise employed.”

Crying game

When NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue called Vernon Davis' name as the 49ers' sixth overall selection, the Maryland tight end cried tears of joy.

“I didn't expect to be that emotional but it hit me; this is a lifelong dream,” he said. “Hearing my name called on ESPN, being the sixth pick. It feels great to be up there.”

Davis' glee at joining the San Francisco 49ers was uncomplicated by high expectations. Contrast that with Matt Leinart (“No, I'm not disappointed”); Vince Young (“It's not all about the pick, it's what the team needs”); and Reggie Bush (“I'm just excited to be back on a football team”).

What she wants

Young has a close relationship with his mother. So it was no surprise when he had a quick answer after he was asked how he would spent his first big paycheck.

“Mommy, what do you want?” Young asked, smiling as he turned and looked at her.

To the assembled reporters, fans and supporters he said: “You've got to ask her, whatever she wants.”

Quotable

“I don't know if I would have the chutzpah to take him where he's going to go. A guy showed me the (NFL Combine) workout tape and I said, 'I'm not Bobby Beathard. I can't do this.' I'm not being disrespectful. Bobby would take chances. This is a big chance, although physically he's got great talent.”

TOM MODRAK, Buffalo Bills assistant GM, speaking before the draft on Antonio Cromartie, the Florida State defensive back taken by the Chargers with the 19th overall pick.

Numbers

7 Defensive backs taken in the first round, tied for the most with the 1998 draft, a class highlighted by Heisman winner Charles Woodson of Michigan.

9 Players taken in the first round from Ohio State (5) and Florida State (4). The record for most players drafted from one school in the first round is held by Miami with six in 2004.

12 Underclassmen taken in the first round, including the first three picks and six of the top 10.

30 Picks before the first Miami Hurricane was selected.

$13 million Approximate difference between what Vince Young will get in guaranteed money as the No. 3 pick and what Matt Leinart will get at No. 10.